General Coach Canada announced the asset acquisition of the Prolite RV brand, a well-established Canadian manufacturer of ultralight travel trailers, bringing together two respected names with deep roots in Canada’s recreational vehicle industry, the Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association reported on Friday.
Founded in 2000, Prolite has spent more than 25 years developing a strong reputation for lightweight, innovative travel trailers designed to provide RV owners with greater flexibility in their choice of tow vehicle. The company has also developed particularly strong roots in Quebec, where the Prolite brand was established and has built a loyal following among dealers and customers throughout Canada.
General Coach Canada has been manufacturing recreational vehicles in Canada since 1950 and is proud to welcome the Prolite brand into its family of products, the company said in a recent release.
“This asset acquisition represents a natural fit, bringing together two Canadian brands with long histories in the RV industry, while filling a void in our current product mix,” said Roger Faulkner, president, General Coach Canada. “Our goal is not simply to acquire this brand, but to invest in it. We look forward to working closely with the Prolite dealer network, supporting existing customers and introducing even more RV buyers to the advantages of ultralight travel.”
As part of the asset acquisition, production of Prolite travel trailers will transition from its current manufacturing location in Saint-Jérôme, Quebec, to General Coach Canada’s manufacturing operations in Hensall, Ontario.
While the location of production is changing, the Prolite product itself is not, General Coach Canada said. General Coach Canada intends to preserve the models, lightweight construction philosophy and product characteristics that have made Prolite successful. The objective is to build upon what Prolite has already established, not reinvent it.
“This acquisition represents an exciting new chapter for both General Coach Canada and the Prolite brand,” said Frédéric Delwiche, president, Prolite. “This transaction will make Prolite and General Coach Canada a strong RV manufacturing leader in North America with continued commitment to quality, innovation, customer service, and dealer relationships. Creating a leader in the innovative market of ultralight travel trailers.”
“Prolite has developed a unique position in the ultralight travel trailer market over the past 26 years. We have a tremendous respect for what has been built in Quebec and see opportunity to build on that foundation. Our intention is to preserve what makes Prolite unique while providing the manufacturing resources and support needed to take the brand into its next chapter,” added Chris Faulkner, vice president, General Coach Canada.
With production transitioning to Hensall, General Coach Canada said it estimates manufacturing to begin by the end of November and looks forward to working with the existing Prolite dealer network, welcoming new dealers and continuing to grow the Prolite brand across Canada and other markets.
